Term: "Cookie"
Definition
In the context of web browsing, a cookie, also known as an HTTP cookie, web cookie, or browser cookie, is a small piece of data generated by a website and saved by your web browser. Its purpose is to remember information about you, similar to a preference file created by a software application. When you visit the same website again, the server can read the cookie to remember your previous activity, making your interactions with the site more seamless and personalized. Cookies can store a wide range of information, including personal information like usernames, email addresses, and preferences, as well as technical data like session IDs and authentication tokens. They play a crucial role in facilitating web browsing by saving browsing information, which helps with tasks like keeping users logged in to websites, tracking site usage for analytics, and delivering targeted advertising based on browsing history. However, they also raise privacy and security concerns, as they can be used to track users' internet activity without their explicit consent. Modern web browsers typically offer settings to manage cookies, allowing users to block or delete them to protect privacy.